Rise of Global Food Insecurity: Five Illustrative Diagrams According to United Nations Report
Global Hunger and Food Insecurity Remain a Concern, According to UN Report
The latest "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World" report, compiled by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Food Programme (WFP), and World Health Organization (WHO), highlights that approximately 673 million people (8.2% of the global population) were hungry in 2024, a slight decline from previous years but still above pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, 2.3 billion people (28% of the global population) are food insecure, lacking regular access to nutritious diets necessary for a healthy life.
The report illustrates regional differences, with hunger decreasing notably in southern Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean, while it has risen in most subregions of Africa and western Asia, where nearly 60% of those projected to be chronically undernourished by 2030 will be found.
The report underscores the impact of rising food price inflation, which has been escalating between 2021 and 2023. This inflation, driven by fiscal/monetary responses to COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and extreme weather events, has severely affected food security and nutrition, particularly harming vulnerable and low-income populations. Food inflation has outpaced non-food inflation, eroding purchasing power and access to affordable healthy diets, which threatens progress towards Sustainable Development Goals 2.1 and 2.2 to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030.
The cost of a healthy diet, defined as one that comprises a variety of locally available foods that meet energy and most nutrient requirements, has risen during 2023 and 2024. In 2019, a healthy diet cost, on average, 3.30 purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per person, per day. By 2024, this cost had increased to 4.46 PPP dollars.
The report also notes that 139 out of 203 countries have faced cumulative food price inflation above 25% since 2020, with 49 countries experiencing cumulative food inflation higher than 50%. Localised shocks, such as extreme weather events, have impacted inflation on sub-national and national scales, destroying crops and further exacerbating food insecurity.
Women are disproportionately affected by food price inflation, and such prolonged food price pressures risk undermining household coping capacities and worsening food insecurity. The authors attribute the heightened inflation to a combination of factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and shifting monetary policy.
The report warns that the "deteriorating food insecurity" in territories and countries currently affected by humanitarian crises may not be fully reflected in its current estimates. It also emphasises that policy responses to mitigate inflation's adverse effects and address long-term structural food system challenges are urgently needed.
The report further examines the cost of a healthy diet around the world, the surge in food price inflation, and the contribution of energy and fertiliser prices to overall food inflation. Oil and gas, key inputs in agriculture production, from fertiliser manufacturing through to transportation, have contributed to high commodity prices. Russia's invasion of Ukraine upended global fertiliser markets due to economic sanctions against Russia and Belarus, two of the world's largest fertiliser exporters. The process of manufacturing nitrogen-based fertilisers is an energy-intensive one, accounting for about 1% of all global energy usage.
In conclusion, the 2025 "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World" report underscores the urgent need for policy action to address the challenges of global hunger and food insecurity. Despite some regional improvements, the overall situation remains unacceptably high, with progress uneven and food price inflation posing a significant obstacle to improving food security and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Science can offer solutions to combat global hunger and food insecurity through advancements in agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices.
- Workplace wellness programs can educate employees about the importance of nutrition and encourage healthy eating habits, contributing to a decrease in food insecurity.
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can be exacerbated by poor nutrition, making it crucial to address food insecurity to improve overall health and wellness.
- Chronic diseases, like cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues, can be linked to poor nutrition and future research should explore these connections.
- Eye health can be affected by a lack of essential nutrients, highlighting the need to ensure access to nutritious food for all.
- Hearing can also be impacted by malnutrition, creating a need for comprehensive health initiatives that address all aspects of food insecurity.
- Fitness and exercise play a vital role in maintaining good health, and nutrition is essential for optimal performance and recovery.
- Sexual health is influenced by a variety of factors, including nutrition, and is an integral part of overall health and wellness.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be triggered or exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies, further emphasizing the importance of addressing food insecurity.
- Climate change poses numerous threats to food security and agriculture, including increased droughts, floods, and extreme weather events.
- Men's health should be addressed in the context of food insecurity, as it affects various aspects, including cardiovascular health and weight management.
- Skin care requires a balanced diet with essential nutrients to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin conditions.
- Therapies and treatments, particularly those for chronic diseases, often require proper nutrition for effective recovery and optimal results.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of developing age-related diseases, including cognitive decline and dementia.
- Women's health is often disproportionately affected by food insecurity, highlighting the need for gender-specific interventions.
- Parenting necessitates a sufficient understanding of nutrition for the optimal growth and development of children.
- Weight management is heavily influenced by nutrition and is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Cardiovascular health can be impacted by poor nutrition, making it crucial to address food insecurity to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The food industry can contribute to sustainable food systems by adopting sustainable practices and promoting nutritious food options.
- Medicare can provide essential nutrition support for older adults, improving their health and wellness.
- CBD has been researched for its potential health benefits, including improving digestive health and addressing neurological disorders.
- Environmental science plays a significant role in understanding the impacts of climate change on food security and agriculture.
- Finance, particularly investments in sustainable agriculture and nutritious food options, can help address the challenges of global hunger and food insecurity.
- Skin conditions can be alleviated or prevented with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
- Space and astronomy research may provide insights into solutions for future food production in space, addressing the challenges of nutrition in isolated environments.
- Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting digital agriculture systems and ensuring food security in the digital age.
- Lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, play a significant role in maintaining overall health and wellness, including eye health, hearing, and digestive health.
- Mental health, which can be affected by factors such as nutrition and chronic diseases, is an essential aspect of holistic health and should be addressed in the context of food insecurity.
